This One Pot Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice recipe delivers everything you love in a weeknight dinner — juicy chicken, perfectly seasoned rice, and bright lemon-herb flavors that make every bite irresistible. It’s a wholesome, family-friendly dish that’s both satisfying and simple to clean up!
Perfect for busy evenings, meal prep, or even cozy weekend dinners, this recipe brings fresh spring energy to your table with minimal effort and maximum flavor.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
One pot means less cleanup
Bright and refreshing lemon flavor
Perfect for meal prep and family dinners
High protein and gluten-free
Easy, wholesome comfort food
Recipe Overview
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients
1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
2 tbsp olive oil
1 cup long-grain white rice
2 ½ cups chicken broth
1 small onion, finely chopped
3 garlic cloves, minced
Juice and zest of 1 lemon
1 tsp dried thyme
1 tsp dried basil
1 tsp dried parsley
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Lemon slices and fresh herbs, for garnish
Instructions
- Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Season chicken with salt, pepper, and thyme. Sear for 2–3 minutes per side until golden. Remove from the pot and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: In the same pot, add onion and garlic. Cook until fragrant and translucent.
- Add Rice and Broth: Stir in the rice, chicken broth, lemon juice, and zest. Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom for flavor.
- Cook Together: Return chicken to the pot. Cover and simmer on low heat for 20 minutes, or until rice is tender and chicken is fully cooked.
- Garnish and Serve: Fluff rice, top with lemon slices and fresh herbs, and serve warm.
Tips & FAQs
Can I use brown rice? Yes, but increase the cooking time to about 40–45 minutes and add a bit more broth.
Can I make this in a slow cooker? Absolutely! Combine all ingredients and cook on low for 6–8 hours or high for 3–4 hours.
How do I store leftovers? Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat with a splash of broth or lemon juice.
Can I add vegetables? Yes — peas, spinach, or asparagus pair beautifully with the lemon-herb flavors.
Nutrition Summary
| Serving Size | Calories | Protein | Carbs | Fat | Sugar | Fiber |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 serving | 410 | 35g | 28g | 15g | 3g | 2g |
Disclaimer: Nutrition values are approximate and may vary based on ingredients used.
